DC Metrocentric

You may have heard that the Pope is coming to the US this week, that is unless you are living under a rock! Pope Benedict XVI’s arrival at Andrews Air Force Base this afternoon marks the beginning of his 6 day visit to the United States.

During the visit, the Pope is going to be visiting some of the great buildings in modern Christianity, including incredible examples of classic architectural styles. Tomorrow (also the Pope’s Birthday) the Pope will be meeting with President Bush in the morning and then holding services at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception which is the largest Roman Catholic church in North America.

Located on the campus of Catholic University, the Basilica was was designed by Shahan and McKenna in 1919 and church construction began in 1920 under John McShain. The building wasn’t fullly opened untill 1959 and it is designated as a National Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. The design is unique from many other Gothic Catholic churches and follows a very cool Byzantine-Romanesque style.

The Pope tour will also visit Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York (largest Gothic church in the US), as well as the MLB Stadiums in DC and NY. More information about the Papal Visit here on the USCCB blog.  

[Flickr Photo: DRStout]